At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and budgeting for technology investments at Sainsbury's.
- Company: Join Sainsbury's, a fast-paced FTSE business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, flexible working, and a performance-related bonus up to 20%.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology decisions that shape the future of Sainsbury's.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with strong financial analysis skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
We all like amazing work to do, and real work-life balance. That's waiting for you here at Sainsbury's. For a FTSE business, we move incredibly fast. When we're not leading projects, we're supporting teams across the wider group to achieve their goals. Here, you can see the impact of your work as soon as you walk into a store, giving you a real sense of purpose and responsibility. The team around you will listen to your ideas and opinions, and you'll have every chance to try something new. The scale and complexity of our business mean there's always something new to learn, and we'll support you every step of the way. We're trusted to get on with it. So get ready to make things happen.
About the team: Sainsbury's Technology is at the heart of delivering the digital, data and security capabilities that support millions of customer and colleague interactions across Sainsbury's and Argos. Within Technology, the Data Governance & Information Security (DGIS) and Data Ecosystems teams are key enablers of large-scale transformation programmes, helping the business unlock the value of data, improve decision making and ensure information is protected and governed effectively.
As part of the Technology Finance team, you'll work closely with senior leaders across Technology and Finance, influencing significant investment decisions and helping to ensure technology spend delivers measurable value for the business. This is an exciting opportunity to work on high-profile programmes that support the future growth and transformation of Sainsbury's and Argos.
More about the role: As Finance Manager - Technology Business Partner, you'll be the trusted finance partner to the Director of Technology - DGIS and the Director of Technology - Data Ecosystems. You'll provide financial insight, challenge and support across all aspects of technology investment and business-as-usual spend, helping senior stakeholders make informed decisions that support strategic priorities and business objectives.
You'll lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities across both technology teams, ensuring stakeholders have clear visibility of costs, risks, opportunities and value outcomes. Working closely with colleagues across Technology, Finance and external partners, including offshore suppliers, you'll support the development and evaluation of business cases, investment appraisals and return-on-investment assessments to maximise value from technology investment.
Alongside this, you'll oversee the delivery of management information, support capital and cash planning, maintain effective financial controls and governance, and ensure compliance with Group accounting policies and standards. You'll also play a key role in driving continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to simplify processes, improve reporting and enhance financial decision-making across Technology Finance.
More about you: You are a professionally qualified accountant who combines technical finance expertise with commercial awareness and enjoys building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders. You have demonstrable experience providing insight and challenge to support business decision-making and are confident operating within a complex, fast-paced environment.
You have the ability to interpret complex financial information and translate it into meaningful recommendations for a range of audiences. You bring an organised and structured approach to your work, consistently delivering key financial activities on time whilst maintaining a focus on governance, controls and accuracy.
You'll be highly proficient in Excel and PowerPoint, with experience analysing data, developing financial models and presenting financial insights in a clear and compelling way. Your ability to influence stakeholders, balance priorities and provide pragmatic challenge will be key to your success in this role.
Essential criteria: Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with demonstrable application of technical and commercial finance expertise. Proven experience leading budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities and providing financial insight to support business decision-making. Demonstrable experience developing, evaluating and challenging business cases, investment appraisals or return-on-investment assessments. Advanced Excel capability, including financial modelling and analysis, with experience presenting complex financial information using PowerPoint. Proven ability to interpret complex financial data, influence stakeholders and maintain effective financial governance and controls.
We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer, so you'll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you work. Around here, there's always the chance to try something new - whether that's as part of an evolving team or somewhere else across the business - and we take development seriously and promise to support you. We also recognise and celebrate colleagues when they go the extra mile and, where possible, offer flexible working. When you join our team, we'll also offer you an amazing range of benefits.
Here are some of them: Starting off with colleague discount, you'll be able to get 10% off at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU and Habitat after 4 weeks. This increases to 15% off at Sainsbury's every Friday and Saturday and 15% off at Argos every pay day. We've also got you covered for your future with our pensions scheme and life cover. You'll also be able to share in our success as you may be eligible for a performance-related bonus of up to 20% of salary, depending on how we perform.
Your wellbeing is important to us too. You'll receive an annual holiday allowance, and you can buy additional holiday. We also offer other benefits that will help your money go further such as season ticket loans, interest free car loan of up to 10k, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, pay advance (where you can access some of your pay before pay day) as well access to a great range of discounts from hundreds of other retailers. And if you ever need it there is also an Employee Assistance Programme, you will also be eligible for private healthcare too.
Moments that matter are as important to us as they are to you which is why we give up to 26 weeks pay for maternity or adoption leave and up to 4 weeks pay for paternity leave.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - Technology in Coventry
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Sainsbury's. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager - Technology in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Sainsbury's.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Sainsbury's's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sainsbury's
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Sainsbury's.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Sainsbury's will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Sainsbury's employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
